Richmond restaurant The Kitchen Table evokes name of old eatery, sets its own path
RICHMOND ― A newly opened Chittenden County restaurant evokes a familiar name from the recent past. The owners see it as their chance to create their own path while continuing the building’s rich culinary tradition.
What is the place?
The Kitchen Table opened just after Labor Day weekend in the homey building that most recently housed Vermont Fine, a restaurant that began in late 2022 and closed in July 2023. If the new restaurant’s name sounds familiar, it’s because Vermont Fine’s predecessor was called The Kitchen Table Bistro. That James Beard Award-nominated business occupied the space for nearly 20 years before shutting down in 2021.
Craig Anthony, executive chef and co-owner of The Kitchen Table, said he and business/life partner Samantha LaCroix bought the rights to a variation of the bistro’s name from previous owners Steve and Lara Atkins. The Kitchen Table is different, according to Anthony, but is continuing its predecessor’s tradition for the next generation.
The new restaurant’s menu on a recent Wednesday evening included beer-braised short ribs, baked rigatoni Bolognese, mac and cheese, grilled ribeye and a burger. Those entrees range in price from $16-$34; Anthony said The Kitchen Table is aiming to be a place that provides affordable options for family dining as well as date-night splurges.
“’Elevated comfort’ is kind of our niche,” according to Anthony.
The Kitchen Table is primarily a dinner destination, but Anthony and LaCroix plan to add Sunday brunch in mid-January. They’re also offering “take-and-bake” options – both Anthony’s savory specialties and pastry chef LaCroix’s baked goods – for customers to bring home. Anthony said they hope to convert an old garage in the parking lot into a spot for the take-and-bake options, which could also include breakfast sandwiches and jams made by LaCroix, making for what Anthony called “our own little farmers market.”
What’s the story behind it?
Anthony and LaCroix met four years ago at Mirabelles Bakery, with Anthony on the savory side and LaCroix involved in pastry-making. Anthony left Mirabelles and worked at Waterworks Food + Drink in Winooski as well as Chicken Charlie’s in South Burlington, where he met Adam True, who’s now general manager at The Kitchen Table.
Anthony and LaCroix had been toying with the idea of opening a restaurant together. They decided to act when the Richmond location became available.
“The space itself is so amazing,” Anthony said of the restaurant that seats 75 patrons downstairs, 30 in a private dining room upstairs and up to 35 outside on the patio in nice weather. “You’re not starting from scratch.”
The Kitchen Table does, however, start the majority of its food from scratch, with an emphasis on local sourcing.
“Almost everything is home-made,” Anthony said, noting that pastas, rolls and burger buns are all created in-house. “It’s a comforting feeling when you’re here. It’s almost like your own home.”
Business has been “pretty good” so far, according to Anthony, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. He said he likes popping out of the kitchen from time to time to talk with customers, listening to their suggestions on how to make things even better.
“They’re always super-happy, which is a huge part for me,” Anthony said. “We’re always evolving, and that’s the only way you can stay in this business.”
Hours and location
The Kitchen Table, 1840 W. Main St., Richmond. 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Sunday for dinner; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday for brunch starting Jan. 14; take-and-bake shop noon-closing time Wednesday-Sunday. (802) 434-8686, www.kitchentablevt.com
Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont restaurant The Kitchen Table evokes past, charts own course
